Home automation systems usually use separate wiring from a household data network, but sometimes they’re closely integrated. Home automation can be as simple as turning on outside lights after the sun goes down, or as com- plex as opening and closing drapes, monitoring and adjusting heating and air conditioning, operating a lawn sprinkler, or filling the dog’s water dish. You can also expect the next generation of “smart” kitchen and laundry appliances to include network connections that will allow them to let you know when the roast is cooked or the clothes dryer has completed its fluff cycle.